Free guide for agency leaders

How to evaluate a staff training trial

Use this guide with the people who will use and manage the training. Identify a team need, try the material, then decide whether it fits. You can fill in the notes and print or save a PDF. This tool does not submit your entries; a browser may retain them when you return. Use role or group labels, not client or staff names.

Need, try, discuss, decide: check learning fit, access and next steps. — Special Learning evaluation method informed by CDC's quality training standards for learning objectives, learner engagement, usability and evaluation.

1. Name the need

Choose the staff role, a skill or knowledge gap, and how you will tell if the training is useful. Consider whether a workflow or access change is also needed.

Team need and desired result

2. Try the material

Have a team representative try the available content and discuss it with the team. Confirm trial access arrangements with the vendor. Check whether it opens on the devices your team uses, whether examples are relevant, and whether the pace and format work for them.

Content tried and access observations

3. Discuss the experience

Ask: What could you explain or use after the session? Where did you need more support? What got in the way? Capture questions for a supervisor or vendor.

What worked, what needs follow-up, and questions

4. Decide and plan

Compare the learning fit alongside price, access period, support and terms. Assign the next action and a date to review the decision.

Decision, next action and review date

See the Level 1 group course sessions

Review the nine session topics and plan a team discussion.

Open the Level 1 group course guide

Compare training quotes

How to evaluate a staff training trial

See the Level 1 group course sessions

Try Level 1 group training